KUALA LUMPUR: The party and celebrations are over for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid-Season Cup (MSC) champions Selangor Red Giants (SRG) as they prepare to face a packed competition schedule.
SRG returned home from winning the MSC in Riyadh on Wednesday, and the second half of the year will see them competing in the Snapdragon Pro Series, MLBB Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) Season 14, International Esports Federation's (IESF) World Esports Championship, and the M6 World Championship.
SRG boss Simon Lim said they have to keep their eyes firmly on the prize and ultimately aim to qualify for the M6, which will be hosted in Malaysia at the end of the year.
He added that being the MSC champions has put a bullseye on their back, making them the team to beat.
"Since January till now, we are unbeaten in all tournaments. For me, this is not really important. What's important is to focus and maintain momentum and win matches and tournaments," said Simon.
"The whole world's eyes are on us; everyone wants to beat SRG. There's pressure, and the M6 will be hosted by Malaysia. I'm very sure that Malaysian fans will throng the stadium to support us.
"It will give us a lot of pressure, but it also motivates us. This MSC win will boost the confidence of the boys heading into M6."
Simon said the MSC win has whetted SRG's appetite to win more accolades on the international stage.
"Next week, Saturday, there's already another tournament, the ESL Snapdragon, which has been moved from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. It's also an international tournament. The Philippine team is coming back to try to beat us again, and the Indonesian teams will be here as well," he said.
"Moving forward, the new season of MPL MY, Season 14, is important for us to be champions to get our tickets to the M6. After that, we have the IESF as well."